The Nintendo Switch 2: A Closer Look at Size and Dimensions
The recently released Nintendo Switch 2 announcement trailer reveals a noticeably larger console than its predecessor. This shift suggests a move away from compact handhelds and towards larger portable devices, aligning with competitors like the Steam Deck and iPad. While official dimensions remain undisclosed, analysis of the trailer, combined with hands-on experience with a Genki-created mock-up at CES 2025, allows for a reasonable estimation of the Switch 2's size.
Screen Size:
Our estimations point to an 8-inch screen (diagonal measurement, excluding bezels), aligning with earlier rumors. This translates to approximately 177mm wide and 99mm tall. This represents a nearly 30% increase in diagonal size and a 66% increase in area compared to the original Switch's 6.2-inch display. The increase is even more significant when compared to the Switch Lite (45% larger diagonally, 111% larger in area) and the Switch OLED (14% larger diagonally, 30% larger in area). While larger isn't always better, a larger screen could significantly enhance the gaming experience, provided the display quality is high. The Switch 2's screen surpasses even the largest Steam Deck screen (8% larger diagonally, 11% larger in area).
Overall Console Size:
The increased screen size necessitates a larger console. Our measurements of the Genki mock-up, corroborated by trailer analysis, suggest the Switch 2 is approximately 265mm long and 115mm tall. This is roughly 25% larger than the original Switch (239mm x 102mm), 61% larger than the Switch Lite, and 12% smaller than the Steam Deck. Thickness is estimated to be comparable to the original Switch.
Joy-Con Size:
The trailer suggests Joy-Con controllers of similar width but increased height. Our estimations indicate 32mm wide and 115mm tall for the new Joy-Cons—the same width as the originals (excluding the slot system) and 13mm taller, representing a 13% increase in size.
Screen Unit Size:
Subtracting Joy-Con dimensions from the overall console size, we estimate the Switch 2 screen unit to be 200mm long and 115mm tall, approximately 31% larger than the original Switch. This size comfortably accommodates the 8-inch screen, suggesting relatively slim bezels.
Conclusion:
These dimensions are estimations based on available data. While not officially confirmed, the consistency between the Genki mock-up and the trailer suggests a high degree of accuracy. We anticipate the Switch 2 to be approximately 25% larger than its predecessor. Further confirmation awaits official release.
